George Pitsillides takes the stage at THE NEW GEN STAGE of INSPIRE 2026 to share his journey from finance and consulting to entrepreneurship, and how a new generation of founders is turning the opportunities they see in the market into real businesses.
When is the right time to start something of your own? When you have gained enough experience? When you feel completely ready? Or perhaps when you spot an opportunity and decide that, instead of analysing it any further, it is time to create it?
For George Pitsillides, Co-Founder & Director of Velostays Ltd, the answer lies in taking action.
The young entrepreneur is coming to INSPIRE 2026 – Entrepreneurial Festival, taking place on 7 and 8 October on Makarios Avenue in Nicosia, to share his journey at THE NEW GEN STAGE — from the worlds of finance and consulting to building a new business proposition in the hospitality sector.
As part of “GEN Z – Big Energy”, George represents exactly the mindset this session is all about: young people who do not see age as a prerequisite for entrepreneurship and who are not waiting to accumulate “decades of experience” before putting their ideas to the test in the real world.
With a Master’s degree in Finance and Investment with Distinction from Durham University and two years of professional experience in consulting at IMR, George had already built a strong foundation in financial analysis, business strategy and market understanding. But instead of remaining solely in the position of someone who analyses businesses, he chose to move to the other side: to build one.
That decision led to Velostays Ltd, a modern hospitality management company seeking to reshape the way short-term rentals are presented, managed and optimised in the Cypriot market. With an emphasis on thoughtful property presentation, revenue strategy and the overall guest experience, Velostays is developing a model designed to create value for both property owners and travellers.
Behind the business model, however, is a story that goes much deeper. It is about the mindset of starting early.
At INSPIRE 2026, George will talk about his decision to move from theory to action, the first steps involved in building a new business, and what it means to establish credibility when you do not yet have decades of experience behind you. He will explore the opportunities that need to be recognised quickly — and those that you sometimes have to create for yourself.
He will also share his perspective on one of the biggest challenges facing a new generation of entrepreneurs: speed vs substance. In an era where everything moves fast and the pressure to grow is constant, how do you scale without compromising quality? How do you use data and technology without losing the human side of the experience? And how do you turn a good idea into a business that can genuinely stand the test of time?
George Pitsillides’ participation in THE NEW GEN STAGE highlights precisely this emerging side of Cypriot entrepreneurship.
A generation with greater access than ever before to knowledge, technology and international markets, but one that also understands that none of these can replace the determination required to take that first step.
Because opportunities do not always appear at the right moment. Sometimes, you have to stop waiting — and start creating them.
Location: Nicosia, Makarios Avenue and surrounding areas
Dates: Wednesday, 7 and Thursday, 8 October 2026
More information & Free Tickets: www.inspirecyprus.com
Information
Strategic Partner: Cyta Business
Platinum Sponsor: Bank of Cyprus
Innovation Partner: Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF)
Gold Sponsors: Cyfield, Zorbas Group
Silver Sponsor: Bioland
Stage Sponsors: National Bank of Greece (Cyprus), KPMG Cyprus, Invest Cyprus
Academic Partner: University of Nicosia
Sponsor: IMR
Panel Sponsor: allwyn
Exhibitors: Emphasys Centre, GrantXpert, onlyseo, Photos Photiades Breweries – selection, Wolt
Supporters: CP Herbal Skin Care, MiMaJo, National Betting Authority, Robura, Voici La Mode, University of Limassol
With the support of: Cyprus Computer Society, CITEA, CPMA, Youth Board of Cyprus, OEB
Media Sponsors: ALPHA Cyprus, CBN, IN Business, REPORTER, SuperFM
Organiser: IMH
Under the Auspices of: Nicosia Municipality
